Marsa Alam Holiday
Renowned for its crystal clear waters and spectacular dive sites, Marsa Alam is fast becoming the place to holiday on the Red Sea Riviera. Egypt's southernmost resort is rapidly increasing in popularity and is a firm favourite with diving enthusiasts. With the creation of Marsa Alam's new airport, more people are beginning to discover the delights of this tranquil holiday hideaway. The resort itself is relatively new with most of the luxury hotels clustered around the turquoise waters of Coraya Bay. A fringe of living coral borders the coastline and no trip here is complete without donning a pair of flippers to explore the wonders of life beneath the waves. Marsa Alam is yet to be fully discovered by mainstream tourism and so is the perfect retreat for those looking to simply get away from it all.
Beaches
The stretch of coast between Marsa Alam and El Quesir is becoming increasingly popular with divers. Samadai Reef, nicknamed Dolphin House, is home to over 100 curious spinner dolphins who will happily play for hours with visiting scuba enthusiasts. On dry land, the beaches are breathtakingly beautiful with the sand stretching for miles from the distant Red Sea Mountains into the sea. Desert antelope occasionally make their way to the shore in the early morning. Local tradition claims that if they drink seawater, it will turn into fresh water at that spot.
Shopping
Shopping is limited to hotel minimarkets and boutiques but there is an almost daily trip from most hotels to El Quesir for the bustling Friday market (travellers cheques are not accepted). Please note, there are no ATM machines in the resort of Marsa Alam.
Nightlife
Nightlife is exclusively hotel-based. Take part in a traditional Egyptian evening, where you'll enjoy delicious food, sip sweet honeyed tea, puff a shisha and watch whirling dervishes perform their incredible dance. Dating from the 13th century, the spinning dancers represent the planets circling the sun and believe they stand between the material and cosmic worlds. They whirl for hours on end, often entering a trance-like state which is truly is a sight to behold.
Local Specialities
Indulge in some traditional Egyptian cuisine during your stay. Try one of the favourite specialties, 'koshari' - pasta, rice and chickpeas in a chunky tomato stew. Just be careful with the accompanying chili sauce - it's wicked!